15. Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School
Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School in Richmond, Virginia, has an average SAT score of 1400 and an average ACT score of 33. It has a student enrollment of 746 in grades 9-12. The student-teacher ratio is 15:1. Proficiency in mathematics and reading is 100%. The average graduation rate is 99%. This school was established in 1991 to support the needs of the region’s gifted high school students. It is the product of a public/private partnership and offers a comprehensive college preparatory program. It emphasizes science, math, languages, international studies, government, and fine art. Students are selected on the basis of aptitude and interest.
The students balance academics with involvement in many courses, clubs and participation on athletic teams. The school hopes to develop lifelong learners who also embrace the responsibility of citizenship. The school boasts a tight-knit community of dedicated teachers, involved parents, passionate students and supportive alumni. Students have described it as “inclusive,” “surprisingly non-competitive” and “fostering independence.”